Robert F. Bennett was born September 18, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He and his wife, the former Joyce McKay, have six children. Senator Bennett attended Utah public schools and graduated from the University of Utah in 1957 with a degree in political science.
Prior to his election to the Senate, Senator Bennett was the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Quests, one of the nation's fastest growing time management firms. Senator Bennett has also had a distinguished career in public service. He served as Chief Congressional Liaison at the U.S. Department of Transportation during the Nixon Administration. In 1988, he was appointed Chairman of the Education Strategic Planning Commission for the State of Utah. In that capacity, Senator Bennett effectively guided the Commission in the creation of "A Shift in Focus: Strategic Plan for Education," which subsequently was adopted by the state Board of Education. In 1989, he received the "Light of Learning" award for outstanding contribution to the field of education in Utah.
Senator Bennett is a published author. His book, Gaining Control, gives readers new insights into the forces that control the actions and reactions of their daily lives.
Senator Bennett serves on four committees: Senate Appropriations Committee, where he sits on the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, the Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, the Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, and the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia; Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Joint Economic Committee; and Senate Small Business Committee. He also maintains a strong interest in education, and working to reduce the burden of government on individuals.